Published on Tuesday, 4 February 2014 at 12:00:00 AM
Lots of fun in the sun at Australia Day celebrations!
In the true spirit of Australia Day, comradery and mateship were on full display as each of the Shire’s four towns came together to celebrate on January 26. Exciting social activities and award presentations were held in each town, thanks largely to Rio Tinto support.
550 people attended the festivities in Tom Price at the Vic Hayton Memorial Swimming Pool, while over 250 Paraburdoo residents enjoyed all the action at the Paraburdoo Pool.
Those who attended the free events were treated to water games, a best-dressed Aussie competition, giant thong race and a complimentary BBQ breakfast. A highlight in Tom Price was the running of the ‘100% Handmade Boat Regatta’, with nine boats competing in heart-stopping races to win cash prizes.
Rio Tinto General Manager Paraburdoo Operations Scott Wilkinson said the Australia Day Celebrations were an important part of recognising valued and contributing community members.
“Rio Tinto is proud to support the Shire of Ashburton Australia Day Celebrations as they are a great opportunity for the community to celebrate a wonderful day, while at the same time acknowledging the great work and commitment of key community groups and individuals, who work to make Paraburdoo a more vibrant and connected town,” Mr Wilkinson said.
Onslow and Pannawonica residents were also treated to an action-packed morning of local celebrations. Just over 100 Pannawonica residents arrived at the Pannawonica Pool for a free BBQ breakfast, water games, best-dressed competition and their own 100% Handmade Boat Regatta.
This year saw Onslow shift its Australia Day Celebrations from the beach to Onslow Oval. Around 70 residents came together to enjoy social activities including a tug-of-war, games of cricket and Frisbee and a free BBQ breakfast. Not to miss out on the boating action, Onslow’s first Australia Day ‘bottomless boat race’ took place on the oval. The event wasn’t quite completely dry, as the oval’s sprinklers were set up to keep all the crews cool as they sprinted their homemade boats towards the finish line.
Apryl Longford, Senior Activity Officer, Community Development for the Shire of Ashburton, said that both towns enjoyed the celebrations on the day, and that next year would be even bigger and better.
“Onslow’s Australia Day event was fantastic. The bottomless boat race was great fun and we’re looking forward to seeing even more residents take part next year. Start planning your boat now – it doesn’t need to float, you just need to be able to run with it!”
In addition, the Premier’s Australia Day Citizenship Awards were presented in all towns and the Community Club Awards were presented in Tom Price, Pannawonica, Paraburdoo and Onslow to residents who are making a difference in the community.
Premier’s Australia Day Active Citizenship Awards:
Tom Price
- Active Citizenship Award for a person under 25 – EBONY EDWARDS
- Active Citizenship Award- ANNETTE TURK
- Active Citizenship Award for a community group/event – NAMELESS JARNDUNMUNHA FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Paraburdoo
- Active Citizenship Award - NAOMIE BRYERS-SHELLEY
- Active Citizenship Award for a person under 25 – Petrina Injie
- Active Citizenship Award for a community group/event – RED DIRT ROCKS COMMITTEE
Onslow
- Active Citizenship Award – Jo Freeman
- Active Citizenship Award for a person under 25 – Chantelle Salmeri
- Active Citizenship Award for a community group or event – The Goods Shed Museum
Pannawonica
- Active Citizenship Award – Deb Munday
- Active Citizenship Award for a person under 25 – Hayley McKay
- Active Citizenship Award for a community group or event – Kindergym Pannawonica
Community Club Awards:
Tom Price
- Club Volunteer of the Year– Jo Heptinstall (SES)
- Coaching and Official Excellence Award- Jane Shepherd (Netball Association)
- Youth Club Member of the Year – Samantha Fretwell
Paraburdoo
- Club Volunteer of the Year – Bronwyn Itchins (Paraburdoo Scout Club)
- Coaching and Official Excellence Award - Robert Hegan (Paraburdoo Women’s Softball)
- Youth Club Member of the Year – Andrei Rumusud (Paraburdoo Scout Club)
Pannawonica
- Club Volunteer of the Year – Jayne Unsworth (Playgroup)
- Coaching and Official Excellence Award - Jamie Samson (Kung Fu)
- Youth Club Member of the Year – Cairon Gallanagh
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